South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is hoping his team can build on a strong 2024 campaign and make a push for the College Football Playoff in 2025.
After guiding the Gamecocks to a 9-4 record and a tie for fourth in the SEC with Alabama and LSU, Beamer believes his program is on the rise.
Shane Beamer Believes South Carolina Can Go Further in 2025
“There’s still a great hunger for what we didn’t accomplish,” Beamer said during an appearance on Josh Pate’s show. “They’ve been very purposeful, very driven since they came back and that’s exciting to see.”
South Carolina’s season ended with a 21-17 loss to Illinois in the Citrus Bowl, a result Beamer said his team is eager to correct. Despite some key roster departures, Beamer expressed confidence in the group’s ability to make a run at the postseason.
Freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers was impressed in his debut season, throwing for 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, with a passer rating of 151.9. South Carolina earned notable wins over ranked opponents, including Texas A&M, Missouri, and Clemson, and narrowly lost to LSU, Ole Miss, and Alabama.
With Sellers returning for a second season, the Gamecocks’ offense could take another step forward. Running back Raheim Sanders is off to the NFL Draft, leaving 6-foot-1 Jawarn Howell as the likely starter. Howell rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries last season.
Sophomore tight end Michael Smith, listed at 6-foot-6, gives Sellers a big target in the passing game, while wide receivers Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennett Jr. return to bolster the receiving corps. No single receiver dominated in 2024, but 10 players topped 100 receiving yards, and five surpassed 300.
The defense may take time to find its footing after losing several key contributors. Safety Nick Emmanwori stood out at the NFL Scouting Combine and is expected to be a first-round pick. Of the 14 Gamecocks who declared for the NFL Draft, 10 played on defense.
How Will The Gamecocks Fair With Tough Schedule?
The 2025 SEC schedule won’t make things easy. South Carolina faces road trips to Missouri, LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M—arguably one of the toughest slates in the conference.
The Gamecocks open their season against Virginia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, giving them a high-profile stage to make an early statement. Home games against South Carolina State and Vanderbilt follow, but the schedule gets tougher in October with matchups against Oklahoma and Alabama.
They’ll close the regular season at home against Clemson, a game that could have major postseason implications. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is expected to be among the nation’s best in 2025, and South Carolina won’t want to enter rivalry week needing a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
Offensively, the Gamecocks should be in good shape. Another year of experience for Sellers, along with a largely intact offensive line and supporting cast, should lead to continued growth.
KEEP READING: Air Noland Reveals Why He Choose South Carolina
The bigger questions lie on defense, where several new faces will need to step up, whether from the current roster, incoming recruits or transfer portal additions. Early growing pains are likely, but if the defense can settle in, South Carolina has the pieces to contend for a playoff spot.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
